Sharif Hassan is a young hip-hop artist from Harlem, right in the most active music hub of New York. His latest single off “Dear Life” EP, “Ghetto,” is in fact an image evoking description of life and characteristic attributes of specific areas in his hometown. With an authentic sounding instrumental backdrop that literally captures the New York City life and a strong steady flow with punctuating accents throughout, “Ghetto” is distinguished with a natural delivery and a character that captures and translates the subject matter into sound.
The brassy samples, portraying hints of jazz and city life, in combination with a steady driving beat is not the only thing that makes the nature of this song so authentic. The way the lyrics are written and performed truly brings out the depiction and life style of a ghetto in a matter of factly and natural way, providing insight and intrigue to the listener. Apart from this, the delivery and rhythmic flow are also on point and keep providing interest and forward momentum throughout, making Sharif Hassan’s potential truly stand out from the rest.
-Sarah Marie Bugeja